US transit chief in Detroit Friday on big project

DETROIT (AP) — U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood is coming to Detroit on Friday to make “a major funding announcement” that is expected to involve plans for a light rail system between the city’s downtown and the cultural, medical and educational center a few miles north.

LaHood’s office said in a statement Wednesday that Mayor Dave Bing, U.S. Sens. Carl Levin and Debbie Stabenow and others will be at Wayne State University to reveal details of a plan “that will significantly expand transit options in downtown Detroit.”

The U.S. Transportation Department didn’t reveal details, but LaHood has been in talks for months with city, regional and state officials on their part of a deal to create a 3.3-mile light rail line that’s expected to cost $137 million.